Why David Cameron sacked Dominic Cummings twice

David Cameron has spoken to Matt Chorley in an exclusive interview with Times Radio.

In the wide-ranging interview, Mr Cameron said during his time as PM, government pandemic planning "focused too much on a flu pandemic rather than on a respiratory disease pandemic", adding, "better work could have been done there."

He also took a swipe at Dominic Cummings, Mr Johnson’s chief adviser, with whom he clashed when Mr Cummings worked for Mr Gove. “Well I did sack him twice but he kept coming back. We didn’t necessarily hit it off but he’s a man of great, I mean he’s very clever, he is very able.

He said he would have attended COBRA meetings more quickly than Boris Johnson, telling Matt Chorley "there's something about the Prime Minister turning up that helps to drive decision making."

Mr Cameron also warned that the Conservatives risked appearing less “socially inclusive and progressive” in pursuit of Brexit. He also revealed that he spent lockdown working in a food bank and that his daughter, Nancy, 16, is an environmental activist and wants him to cut down on meat.

[joec]

David Cameron has a huge responsibility for a lot of chaos. Why are people now forgetting about this?

[laxeystu]

Still defends austerity - he may not have been only one, but growth would have been faster, and the deficit smaller, without them.

[Richard]

He is a very gracious and modest man. I disagree with him on some matters - Brexit, homosexual marriage, some other matters. But I think him honest, hard working, patriotic, always doing his best - I admire him greatly. I look forward very much to reading his memoir. He's eloquent, deep thinking and candid --it should be fascinating!

[claireb]

Will always be grateful to Dave for giving us a referendum, good luck with the book Dave.

[stevemitchell]

Great to listen to I am not a Conservative but I think David Cameron was an excellent prime minister a very honest man and his best for the country I think he’s a great example to school kids in our country a man of integrity it’s a great shame here to go during that period but his quality stood out in so many ways Looking at the situation in today’s politics extremely shabby

[fritzhenning]

Are you still lobbying your old mates?

[docastrov]

Why does he say the referendum was "lost"? He gave a choice to the people and they made their decision.

[mattford]

"We focused too much on a flu pandemic rather than a respiratory disease pandemic"

Flu is a respiratory disease David.

[BengVideo]

This guy literally made a mess and ditched

[djbethell]

Cameron did enough long-term, hardcore damage without the help of Cummings.

[philipswich]

Respect for dc, for not joining the pile on 👏

[jopieris]

He got the idea to hold a referandom, we would not have one big problem less now

[elliotjones]

I benefited a lot from Cameron's government as a younger man, I liked him as PM as I thought he did what and to be done to build the economy back up. What disappointed me was the referendum, not the fact he called it- He was right to call it. It was the fact he downed tools and walked away instead of delivering on the result. I can't buy his book for that reason, it just seems wrong to line his already very deep pockets.

[ListenToTimesRadio]

Has your opinion of David Cameron changed since he left office? Let us know in the comments.

[ghotio]

Giles coren said he ate the pig after Dave had his fun and it added an extra flavour, saltiness

[jonnobloggs]

Keir Starmer should snap him up for Nouveau Labour. He would be a brilliant Secretary For The Rejoin The EU Referendum in 2025.

[ruthjackson]

ALWAYS radio or photo with comment never in person WHY.

[AlfraRed]

I will remember David's next edition is out when I next visit the supermarket and the toilet paper has run out again. Let's face it, the resale value will be improved post wipe.

[rhobatbrynjones]

Who is Dominic Cummings and who is David Cameron?

[angied]

Gosh I wish you were still PM David. Smart (and handsome)🤗 💕